Arun Deva Warrier

🪔 About

Arun Deva Warrier, also known as Kalamandalam Arun Warrier, is a distinguished Indian classical artist primarily recognized for his Kathakali performances and mastery of the Maddalam, a traditional percussion instrument integral to Kathakali and Panchavadyam. Born on June 19, 1982, he is the son of the renowned Maddalam maestro, Kalamandalam Sankara Warrier. Arun Deva Warrier received extensive training in Maddalam, completing a five-year course under his father at the FACT Kathakali School in Udyogamandal. He further pursued higher studies in Maddalam with a scholarship from the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT). As a Kathakali performer, Arun Deva Warrier has graced the stage in significant roles, including Arjunan in 'Kiratham' at Sree Vallabha Temple, Thiruvalla, and Sree Krishna in 'Santhanagopalam' at Vadakkunanthan Temple, Thrissur. He is also a prominent percussionist, leading the Maddalam for Panchavadyam ensembles at major temple festivals across Kerala, including the Thrissur Pooram, where he has participated in the Thiruvambadi Madathil varavu Panchavadyam since 2003. His expertise was showcased in a Panchavadyam demonstration at Swanubhava, Chennai, in 2010. His talent has been recognized with several accolades, including first prizes in the All Kerala Chenda & Maddalam competitions organized by Shatkala Govinda Marar Smaraka Kalasamithi in 1998, and the All Kerala Maddalam competition by Manjummel Shree Krishna Temple Committee in 1992 and 1993. He also secured second prizes in Maddalam, Panchavadyam, and Chendamelam competitions at the State Youth Festival in 1997 and 1998. Arun Deva Warrier continues to uphold and perpetuate the artistic legacy of his father in the world of percussion and Kathakali. He is based in Kerala, India. Awards & Honours: 1st prize in All Kerala Chenda & Maddalam competitions (1998), 1st prize in All Kerala Maddalam competition (1992), 1st prize in All Kerala Maddalam competition (1993), 2nd prize in Maddalam competition (1997), 2nd prize in Maddalam competition (1998), 2nd prize in Panchavadyam and Chendamelam (1997), 2nd prize in Panchavadyam and Chendamelam (1998).